Resources

New - Homecarer July 2010

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: We welcome our new Chief Executive, Bridget Warr, Chair Mike Padgham hails Government plans to remodel the ISA scheme and expresses concern about the VAT rise, Joyce Francis considers Government legislative proposals, Kate Lovett of Edge Services discusses mobility and the larger service user, Francis McGlone looks at turning dementia plans into action, we report on social care priorities for Northern Ireland and new commissioning guidance for Wales, our members in Scotland celebrate award success and we launch our free guidance for members on “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” instructions, by Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. [ID 297]

Download Homecarer July 2010

An overview of the UK domiciliary care sector

These headline statistics are aimed at researchers, management consultants and organisations considering entry into the homecare sector. The figures are a summary of the most recent analysis available and will be revised as new data becomes available. [ID 109]

Download An overview of the UK domiciliary care sector

Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Factsheet

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

As modern technologies have advanced, there has been considerable debate amongst the medical profession, public and in the courts about the possibility of over or under treatment of a person, especially towards the end of their life. As people are living longer and choosing to stay at home rather then enter residential care, homecare providers will increasingly be looking after elderly or frail individuals in their own homes and may need to support service users who have made, or would like to make, a “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” instruction. In response, UKHCA’s preferred solicitors, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, have produced a new factsheet for members about the legal basis of "Do Not Attempt Resuscitation" instructions. [ID 296]

Download Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Factsheet

Risk Assessment Template

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Members may find the following template of assistance. The template has been used at our risk assessment workshops and is a way of assessing hazards, impact and countermeasures that might ameliorate the risk. [ID 295]

Download Risk Assessment Template

Homecarer May 2010

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: UKHCA challenges politicians to take the Homecare Pledge, Chair Mike Padgham reflects on the election campaign, Nick Haines of Hazlewoods LLP looks at the Budget, UKHCA Disclosure Service Manager Julie Sharp launches the E-Bulk system and we report on free personal care. Donna O’Brien describes the regulatory regime for certain employment agencies and businesses, Francis McGlone reports on proposals for self-directed support in Scotland, RQIA’s Dermot Parsons says inspection is a learning process, we report on news in Wales, our event programme and our revised Infection Control Resource Guide. [ID 291]

Download Homecarer May 2010

A brief commentary by Hazlewoods LLP on the March 2010 Budget

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Chancellor Alistair Darling's pre-election Budget on 24th March set out the Government’s plans to secure recovery from the recession.

In his article "A Budget for the Polls?" prepared for UKHCA members, Nick Haines of Hazlewoods LLP gives his personal take on the Budget and its effect on businesses and individuals. [ID 250]

Download A brief commentary by Hazlewoods LLP on the March 2010 Budget

Infection Control Resource Guide

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Infection control is an issue very high on the political agenda at the moment.

Infection prevention and control forms part of the Care Quality Commission Essential Standards for Quality and Safety and they will expect organisations to follow the Department of Health Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections.

In response, UKHCA have produced an Infection Control Resource Guide, which gives domiciliary care organisations advice and assistance with how to meet the six criteria of the Code that are relevant to domiciliary care. [ID 290]

Download Infection Control Resource Guide

Homecarer March 2010

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham pays tribute to our retiring Chief Executive Lesley Rimmer OBE, we urge providers to sign up to CareJobFinder.org, the CQC’s Linda Hutchinson describes registration, Andy Tilden of Skills for Care answers our questions on qualifications and training, Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers the National Minimum Wage, we look at the social care policies of the main political parties and the Personal Care at Home Bill. [ID 289]

Download Homecarer March 2010

Pandemic Influenza Guidance for Homecare Providers

This guidance has been produced as part of good practice contingency planning and we encourage providers to familiarise themselves with the information provided in this document. This document is provided as a service to UKHCA members. [ID 119]

Download Pandemic Influenza Guidance for Homecare Providers

Skills for Care Documents Including Partnership Form

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Complete the partnership form to access Skills for Care funding through UKHCA [ID 244]

Available downloadable versions:

• Glossary of Terms
• List of Acceptable Units
• NMDS-SC Flyer
• Skills for Care Partnership Form

UKHCA Policy Forum Presentations: February 2010

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA Policy Forums are an opportunity for the Association, other leaders , large providers and influencers in the sector to network and promote good practice. Attendees also have the opportunity to discuss the direction and development of the sector as a whole.

Our forum on 10th February 2010; 2 speakers provided excellent presentations on Homecare Re-ablement and Personalisation.

Should you require any further information on UKHCA policy forums; please contact Sarah King Tel: 020 8288 8720, sarah.king@ukhca.co.uk. [ID 288]

Available downloadable versions:

• Gerald Pilkington's presentation on Homecare Re-ablement
• Janet Walden's presentation on Personalisation

With Respect: Dignity in Homecare in Wales

With Respect: Dignity in Homecare in Wales is a new dignity training programme that has been produced with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, via the Dignity in Care National Co-ordinating Group.

For further information on the With Respect Dignity in Homecare in Wales please read this news article.

It is designed to enable managers and care staff to provide services in a dignified and respectful manner and to assist organisations meet the Welsh Assembly Government's Dignity and Respect in Care Programme. [ID 287]

Available downloadable versions:

• 1 - How to Use
• 2 - Tutor's Guide
• 3 - Presentation/Acetates (requires Microsoft Power Point or equivelent)
• 4 - Training Exercises
• 5 - Handouts

UKHCA Guidance: Controlling Scalding Risks from Bathing and Showering

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Care workers work in people’s homes where they are unable to control the physical environment, making health and safety a challenge. This is particularly true when it comes to helping service users bath and shower in their own homes. Our new guidance considers good practice and what providers can do to control scalding risks to service users when care packages include help with bathing and showering. This includes careful risk assessment, staff training, well–drafted and implemented policies and procedures, and the use of equipment, such as thermometers, where appropriate. [ID 286]

Download UKHCA Guidance: Controlling Scalding Risks from Bathing and Showering

Homecarer January 2010

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: we advise members to read CQC’s new Compliance Guidance, Chair Mike Padgham predicts a rollercoaster year, Donna O’Brien describes new infection control requirements, Anne Challoner-Wood considers the National Dementia Strategy, Joyce Francis looks at free personal care for England and Francis McGlone, care funding, the Department of Health’s Emma Jones updates us on Care First Careers and we launch our CareJobFinder.org website and event programme for 2010. [ID 284]

Download Homecarer January 2010

Understanding continence care (Article from March Homecarer 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Care workers often care for people with bladder or bowel problems. This article by Chris Stock, Continence Advisor, Sutton and Merton PCT, considers the issues and how care workers can help improve the quality of life for service users. [ID 285]

Download Understanding continence care (Article from March Homecarer 2005)

Impact Statement April 2008 - March 2009

The Associations Annual Report has been replaced by UKHCA Impact Statement. This document not only reviews the Associations activities but the impact this has had on issues that affect members and key stakeholders. [ID 283]

Download Impact Statement April 2008 - March 2009

Medication Administration Record sheet

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This 31 or 28 day double sided Medication Administration Record sheet may be freely downloaded by UKHCA members as an aid to medication administration for both training and practical day to day purposes. [ID 246]

Available downloadable versions:

• 28 Day MAR Sheet
• 31 Day MAR Sheet
• 31 Day MAR Sheet (Excel Version)

With Respect Dignity in Homecare Training Programme

The Minister of State for Care Services, Phil Hope, launched a new training programme as part of the Dignity in Care Campaign. The training materials, called With Respect, Dignity in Homecare, have been the product of a collaborative project involving UKHCA, (Kim Grove of UKHCA wrote most of the materials), and its partners NHC and Ceretas.

It is an easy-access approach to raise awareness through training in the importance of respecting people's privacy and dignity when providing homecare services.

For further information on the With Respect Dignity in Homecare Training Programme please read this news article. [ID 282]

Available downloadable versions:

• 1 - How to Use
• 2 - Resource Guide
• 3 - Tutor's Guide
• 4 - Presentation/Acetates (requires Microsoft Power Point or equivelent)
• 5 - Training Exercises
• 6 - Handouts
• 7 - Aide Memoire
• 8 - Expectation Card

No More Pips to Squeak

UKHCA took at a stand at the National Adults and Childrens Services Conference, a major conference in Harrogate, with policy makers and Directors of Adult Social Services in attendance, to focus attention on the needs of the independent homecare sector. Launching our personalisation toolkit, which highlights how some authorities are acting perversely in the face of more personalised services, we also launched a statement on the huge cost pressures providers are under with our "No more pips to squeak" publication. [ID 281]

Download No More Pips to Squeak

HSE Sample Questionnaire to assess the health of night workers

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The UKHCA Policy Team has obtained information from the Health and Safety Executive on health assessments for night workers and a sample health questionnaire, which is available below. Members who need further advice are advised to contact HSE Helpline on 0845 345 0055 or UKHCA member helpline 020 8288 5291. HSE’s advice has been uploaded as a service to members. Advice should be taken before action is implemented or refrained from in specific cases. UKHCA cannot accept any responsibility for action taken or refrained from solely by reference to the contents of this document. [ID 277]

Download HSE Sample Questionnaire to assess the health of night workers

UKHCA Factsheet: Smoking and Homecare

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Our new factsheet for members on smoking and homecare outlines the main smoking ban provisions across the UK, considers the issues that arise when service users smoke at home and looks at steps to achieving a smoke-free environment for employees. Our factsheet supplements existing guidance with hints on negotiating with users who are reluctant to refrain from smoking and other practical steps to help employers fulfil their obligations to maintain the health of their homecare workers. [ID 278]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Smoking and Homecare

UKHCA’s presentation to Laing and Buisson 2009 Homecare conference

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA was asked to give the following presentation “Is there a future for small homecare providers” at the Laing and Buisson annual homecare conference. UKHCA’s analysis of the challenges facing small providers, particularly from the personalisation agenda, but also the opportunities, may be of interest to members. It includes some tips and advice for smaller homecare businesses on how to survive the challenges of government initiatives and council actions. [ID 280]

Download UKHCA’s presentation to Laing and Buisson 2009 Homecare conference

Homecarer November 2009

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue we launch our free personalisation toolkit, Chair Mike Padgham welcomes proposals for free homecare in England, Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses unsocial hours enhancements and Julia Jones considers vetting and barring scheme referrals, the Department of Health’s Emma Jones introduces Care First Careers, we report on commissioning in Wales and Scotland, and on a NI provider survey, plus we launch our Smoking and Homecare Factsheet and revised Training Guide for England. [ID 279]

Download Homecarer November 2009

Pandemic 'flu contingency plan template for domiciliary care

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The UKHCA member helpline has taken a number of calls from members about business contingency planning templates for swine 'flu. This template for UKHCA members provides some ideas as to what homecare organisations could be thinking about and can use as preparation for a flu pandemic. It is not a wholly comprehensive list, nor will all the suggestions be applicable in different organisations, however it provides a basis for organisations to feed into their own contingency planning arrangements. [ID 273]

Download Pandemic 'flu contingency plan template for domiciliary care

20th Anniversary Brochure

UKHCA celebrates 20 years of the Association’s work in the homecare sector with a new brochure, which includes articles by the Association’s Chair and President. A time-line of significant achievements for the sector runs from the initial meeting of a small group of social care leaders in 1986, to the Association’s first conference of 75 founder members in 1989 right through to over 1,850 members today. We also include our 10th anniversary presentations which describe the history of the Association in more detail. [ID 276]

Download 20th Anniversary Brochure

Personalisation: A toolkit for independent homecare providers

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Understanding what personalisation means for the homecare sector is addressed in a new toolkit by UKHCA’s Senior Policy Officer, Francis McGlone, available only to UKHCA member organisations. The toolkit explains the risks, threats and opportunities for providers and ideas about the types of service they could develop. The toolkit also identifies some of the inappropriate and unreasonable contract conditions that some local authorities are trying to impose, and a checklist for providers facing these issues. [ID 274]

You can also purchase Personalisation: A toolkit for independent homecare providers from our online store.

Download Personalisation: A toolkit for independent homecare providers

UKHCA Training Guide for England

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This UKHCA Training Guide for England was created to support and guide the training of direct service providers. This guide reflects the regulatory regimes in England and so most of the information does not apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The information in this guide will be subject to change in the near future when the Guidance for Compliance replaces the National Minimum Standards for Domiciliary Care and the new Qualifications and Credit Framework replaces the current National Vocational Qualifications system. [ID 275]

Download UKHCA Training Guide for England

UKHCA Factsheet: Accompanying service users on outings and holidays

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The role of homecare providers increasingly extends to accompanying service users outside the home or on holiday, important activities to enhance well-being, maintain independence and reduce social isolation. UKHCA’s new factsheet: "Accompanying service users on outings and holidays" describes some of the issues homecare providers need to consider and sources of further advice. [ID 272]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Accompanying service users on outings and holidays

Homecarer September 2009

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham recommends members have pandemic flu plans just in case, Professor Sue Yeandle discusses her research on telecare, Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP warns employees may ask to be accompanied by a lawyer at disciplinary proceedings, Donna O’Brien reports on England’s vetting and barring scheme, Francis McGlone and Joyce Francis invite members to join the big Care Debate on paying for care, we consider staff registration in our national reports and re-launch our free data entry service for the NMDS and preview our autumn workshop programme. [ID 271]

Download Homecarer September 2009

Timetable of key employer obligations under the new Vetting and Barring Scheme

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

With the media full of the implications of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme for volunteers working with children from next month, members may want to be certain of what changes are taking place and implications for homecare. UKHCA has prepared a table which provides a short overview of the Vetting and Barring Scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Scheme will be administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the table gives a timeline of when some key employer obligations come into force. It isn't an exhaustive reference source for the new scheme but should help members identify when key changes come in to enable planning ahead for the new scheme. [ID 270]

Download Timetable of key employer obligations under the new Vetting and Barring Scheme

Materials developed for the homecare sector under thematic project

Belinda Siggers, Regional Assessor for United Kingdom Home Care Association, has developed a new range of materials for the homecare sector. The project was funded by accounting and professional services provider KPMG, and covers a variety of topical issues faced by domiciliary care organisations today. [ID 269]

Available downloadable versions:

• Access to Funding for Training
• Career Pathway
• Good Practice Guidelines for Care Workers
• Recruitment

Homecarer July 2009

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: We call for members views’ on a critical consultation on Compliance Guidance that replaces the National Minimum Standards for Domiciliary Care, our Board representatives for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales campaign for better funding for training, UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham argues MPs should re-focus on social care, UKHCA Senior Policy Officer Francis McGlone reports on low pay, UKHCA HR Manager Wosiela Bobie looks at new disciplinary and grievance rules, UKHCA Membership Development Officer Sarah King considers whether in-house NVQ assessment and we include new, free “No reply from service user” policy guidance as a centre-page pull-out. [ID 268]

Download Homecarer July 2009

UKHCA "No Reply from Service User" Policy Guidance

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The unexpected failure of a service user to answer the door when a care worker arrives, or the inability to gain access by the usual method, should always be regarded as a serious situation requiring immediate investigation and action by careworkers and their managers. UKHCA's new policy guidance helps members to review their existing "No reply" policies and procedures, and develop new ones. [ID 267]

Download UKHCA "No Reply from Service User" Policy Guidance

England Conference 2009 Presentations

Following UKHCA's 2009 England Conference we are please to make the speakers' presentations available. [ID 266]

Available downloadable versions:

• Catherine Guelbert - Infection Control
• Cynthia Bower - Care Quality Commission
• David Behan - Social Care in the 21st Century
• Gary FitzGerald - Adult Protection Legislation and Safeguarding
• Glen Mason - The Future of Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy
• Lesley Rimmer - Pandemic Influenza for Homecare Providers
• Sam Bennett - Personalisation

UKHCA policy planner

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Keeping up with social care policy and reform can seem overwhelming. UKHCA's own internal policy planner, which aids us in keeping abreast of what is happening across a range of social care issues, as well as how we have or plan to respond to them, is now being made available to members. It touches on issues as wideranging as migration to pandemic 'flu to protection of vulnerable adults and will be updated on a bi-monthly basis as new issues come to the fore or major initiatives are announced. It won't reflect every single initiative or issue affecting homecare, but it hopefully will provide members of a helpful overview on some of the major issues and UKHCA positions. [ID 265]

Download UKHCA policy planner

Northern Ireland Conference 2009 Presentations

Following UKHCA's 2009 Northern Ireland Conference we are please to make the speakers' presentations available. [ID 264]

Available downloadable versions:

• Dermot Parsons - Working with Self Assessment
• Lesley Rimmer - Pandemic Influenza for Homecare Providers
• Patricia Higgins - Registration of Domiciliary Care Workers
• Phelim Quinn - Messages From the First Year of Regulation
• Sean Donaghy - DSSPSNI Reforms

Latest consumer regulations affect homecare providers

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, our preferred solicitors who operate the legal helpline, have drawn our attention to new regulations that require a cooling off period and cancellation rights in contracts signed in users' homes. The rules give greater rights to consumers who sign contracts in their own homes and offices. They apply UK-wide to homecare providers where self-funded and direct payment users sign homecare contracts in their own homes. This revised version of the article has been issued in reply to members' requests for standard wording that can be inserted into their contracts dealing with the new right to cancel.

We strongly advise reading the article carefully and taking appropriate advice, as without a cooling off period and cancellation rights contracts may be void and providers could be liable to a fine. We anticipate that some providers may wish to consider re-issuing contracts signed in users' homes with the correct terms, depending on circumstances. [ID 251]

Download Latest consumer regulations affect homecare providers

Scotland Conference 2009 Presentations

Following UKHCA's 2009 Scotland Conference we are please to make the speakers' presentations available. Please note we are currently still awaiting permission to add Alan Baird and Jan Warner's presentations available. [ID 262]

Available downloadable versions:

• Colin Angel - Pandemic Influenza for Homecare Providers
• Gary Fitzgerald - Adult Protection, Legislation and Safeguarding
• Marcia Ramsay - Changes to Scrutiny Arrangements in Scotland

Wales Conference 2009 Presentations

Following UKHCA's 2009 Scotland Conference we are please to make the speakers' presentations available. [ID 263]

Available downloadable versions:

• Gary Fitzgerald - Adult Protection, Legislation and Safeguarding
• Lesley Rimmer - Pandemic Influenza for Homecare Providers
• Natalie Cooper - Social Care Inspection
• Rhian Huws-Williams - 'Care at Home' Workforce Research Study
• Sarah Stone - The Role of the Older People's Commissioner for Wales
• Steve Vaughan - Funding and Contracting in Social Care

Homecarer May 2009

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this issue: We call for members' views on regulation by the Care Quality Commission, Anthony Collins Solicitors report on contract cancellation rights, Vic Citarella of Skills for Care and ADASS discusses local workforce planning, we report on the delay to the ISA's Vetting and Barring Scheme, Yvonne Apsitis rounds up our policy work in Wales, the RQIA's Dermot Parsons advises on preparing for inspection and Jenny Roberts reports on the Scottish Caring Congress. [ID 255]

Download Homecarer May 2009

Anthony Collins briefing for members on challenging unfair tender processes

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA's preferred solicitors Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP stopped a council in its tracks recently when they forced it to re-run part of a tendering process by using an emergency injunction. They have prepared a special briefing for members on challenging unfair tender processesl. [ID 254]

Download Anthony Collins briefing for members on challenging unfair tender processes

Anthony Collins procurement challenge case study

UKHCA's preferred solicitors Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP stopped a council in its tracks recently when they forced it to re-run part of a tendering process by using an emergency injunction. They have described the process in a procurement challenge case study available to all. [ID 253]

Download Anthony Collins procurement challenge case study

Effective hand washing for homecare workers

Effective hand washing in care settings has never probably attracted as much attention as it does now. UKHCA has designed a simple handout for homecare providers to use with their careworkers that can be dowloaded without charge. [ID 112]

Download Effective hand washing for homecare workers

Providing Quality Homecare - UKHCA Resources for Members

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Media attention regularly focuses on the quality of care provided by homecare organisations, which reminds homecare providers that there is no room for complacency in the sector. Even though the examples shown in the media are often isolated examples of poor standards in what is overall an improving sector, all providers will want to check regularly that they are delivering high quality care and that their systems are sound. To help our members, we have produced this reminder of UKHCA resources available to members when they are checking service quality. [ID 252]

Download Providing Quality Homecare - UKHCA Resources for Members

Homecarer March 2009

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this edition: In a special pull-out guide, UKHCA Head of Policy Colin Angel explains how to withdraw care ethically. Care Quality Commission Chief Executive Cynthia Bower answers key questions from providers, UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham warns that adequate funding is needed in the recession, we look at the National Dementia Strategy, announce our signature of a memorandum of understanding in Wales, consider the impact of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and announce free Skills for Life training for employers in literacy and numeracy. [ID 249]

Download Homecarer March 2009

UKHCA joins new care providers alliance in England

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA is pleased to be part of a new alliance of adult social care provider representative bodies in England, who have come together to give the provider voice on emerging agendas such as personalisation and transformation. The alliance consists of a range of bodies representing community and residential services and will be a means of engaging effectively with policymakers in these changing times, giving added value and higher profile to the vital role the independent sector plays. [ID 248]

Download UKHCA joins new care providers alliance in England

Put to the test - UKHCA's Disclosure Service in the spotlight

The January 2009 edition of Homecarer featured a question and answer session with Julie Sharp, Manager of UKHCA's Disclosure Service, on how members can benefit from using our disclosure service. Established in 2002, the service processes over 15,000 disclosures a year and is one of the largest umbrella bodies in the UK. If you would like to find out more, call 020 8288 1572 or read this article. [ID 245]

Download Put to the test - UKHCA's Disclosure Service in the spotlight

UKHCA urges fair homecare contract terms for North Wales

In a comprehensive submission to councils preparing a standard contract for use in North Wales, UKHCA has highlighted key principles of fairness and the need for a balance of rights and obligations for both purchasers and providers. The contract is being drafted for use in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, but UKHCA understands that councils elsewhere in Wales are also watching this matter closely. UKHCA members’ interests are being represented by Gill Charlick and Colin Angel. Colin is also leading UKHCA’s response to a similar standard contract for use in the East of England. [ID 243]

Download UKHCA urges fair homecare contract terms for North Wales

UKHCA Factsheet: MRSA

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA has updated its factsheet on MRSA, which along with Clostridium Difficile, often has to be managed in community settings as well as in hospital. It contains brief information on how MRSA is spread, how to control and prevent the spread of the infection and has useful sources of information for further reading. [ID 241]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: MRSA

UKHCA Factsheet: Clostridium Difficile

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA has updated its factsheet on Clostridium Difficile, which along with MRSA, often has to be managed in community settings as well as in hospital. It contains brief information on how Clostridium Difficile is spread, how to control and prevent the spread of the infection and has useful sources of information for further reading. [ID 240]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Clostridium Difficile

UKHCA Factsheet: Pressure Sores

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA has updated its factsheet on Pressure Sores, how to control and prevent the appearance of pressure sores and help service users who are vulnerable to their development. It also has useful sources of information for further reading. [ID 242]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Pressure Sores

Homecarer January 2009

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this edition: In a special pull-out guide, UKHCA Head of Policy Colin Angel explains how to operate credit checks; Chair Mike Padgham calls on government to ensure measures to shore up banks filter through to businesses; Dr Alessio Cangiano reports on research on migrant workers; we look at members’ services post personalisation and some serious council contracting issues; Professor Lindsey Davies calls on providers to plan for a ‘flu pandemic and we launch our 2009 conference programme and revised handwashing guide for care workers. [ID 239]

Download Homecarer January 2009

UKHCA Factsheet: Credit references, late payment and factoring

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The harsher financial climate and “credit crunch” mean homecare providers need to ensure they receive payment for their services promptly to maintain cash flow and the financial health of their business. Previewed in the January 2009 edition of Homecarer, our new factsheet explores some of the more difficult issues for homecare providers, namely credit references, late payment of debts and debt factoring. [ID 238]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Credit references, late payment and factoring

UKHCA Factsheet: Withdrawing a package of care

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

While regrettable, there are occasions when a package of care needs to be terminated. For example, where there are unacceptable risks to the health and safety of care workers or invoices for care remain unpaid. Aimed at independent and voluntary sector homecare providers, our new factsheet offers guidance on the practical steps necessary, and the principles of withdrawing care in a safe, ethical manner. [ID 237]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Withdrawing a package of care

UKHCA Position Statement: PHV licensing should not extend to care workers’ cars

UKHCA is campaigning for Department for Transport guidance to make it clear that care workers in England are exempt from licensing their vehicles as private hire vehicles (PHVs), if they transport users under a wider package of homecare. Our new Position Statement argues that service users are adequately protected if employers carry out regular checks to ensure that care workers’ cars are properly taxed and insured, and PHV licensing should be restricted to specialised transport services. [ID 236]

Download UKHCA Position Statement: PHV licensing should not extend to care workers’ cars

Work, Rest and Pay: A guide to difficult working time and minimum wage issues in domiciliary care

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

We highlighted the difficulty of applying working time and minimum wage rules to sleep-ins, on call duty and live-in care in the September 2008 edition of Homecarer. Our preferred solicitors Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP have prepared in-depth guidance for UKHCA members that looks at the problem areas for homecare providers. [ID 218]

Download Work, Rest and Pay: A guide to difficult working time and minimum wage issues in domiciliary care

UKHCA and IHCP highlight financial challenge in Northern Ireland

UKHCA, together with IHCP, has written to each of the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland to highlight the extreme financial pressures faced by homecare providers, caused by a failure of the Trusts to recognise the increasing cost pressures in the sector. Our letter asks the Chief Executives of the five Trusts to outlining the detail of their plans to address this situation as a matter of urgency. [ID 235]

Download UKHCA and IHCP highlight financial challenge in Northern Ireland

UKHCA urges ADASS to address Eastern Region Contract problems

UKHCA has welcomed an agreement to examine critical issues relating to a draft homecare contract approved by the ADASS Eastern Region following robust criticism made on behalf of our member organisations. Having met with ADASS representatives in January, their Secretary confirmed that she was “confident that any detailed issues can be dealt with to the satisfaction of both parties and that an ongoing dialogue would be useful”. A meeting to discuss our concerns about individual clauses is to be arranged. The contract has been drafted for future tendering exercises for the following local authorities: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend, Suffolk and Thurrock. [ID 186]

Available downloadable versions:

• Download UKHCA response to the consultation exercise, of 12th May 2008
• Download UKHCA’s letter to the ADASS Eastern Region of 18th November 2008

Northern Ireland Conference 2008 Presentations

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Supporting the domiciliary care sector, training as a core component of quality and regulation in Northern Ireland were three of the topics addressed by speakers at this year's UKHCA Northern Ireland Conference held in Belfast on 18th November. [ID 234]

Available downloadable versions:

• Complaints Systems, Policies and Procedures - Jennifer Roberts, Independent Consultant
• Older People and Domiciliary Care Report - Sean McKay, Director, Northern Ireland Audit Office
• Quality Assurance Systems - Bill McClimont, UKHCA Vice Chair
• Regulation in Northern Ireland: one year on - Dr Helen Mulligan, Pharmacy Inspector, and Heather Sleator, Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority
• Supporting the Domiciliary Care Sector - Sean Donaghy, Chair of the HSC Social Care Forum, Department of Health and Social Security
• Training as a Core Component of Quality - Brendan Johnston, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Winter Convention 2008 Presentations

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Planning for pandemic flu and the use of private equity schemes in homecare were two of the topics of addressed by speakers at this year's UKHCA Winter Convention held in Reading on 4th November. [ID 233]

Available downloadable versions:

• Claire Crawley - Department of Health
• Liz Jones - ISIS Equity Partners

Homecarer November 2008

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Costs and contract concerns as we care through the crunch [ID 232]

Download Homecarer November 2008

The personalisation agenda: Threats and opportunities for domiciliary care providers

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A key issue for homecare providers is how the introduction of the personalisation agenda will affect their businesses and services.

The challenges for providers were identified in the introductory article by Lucianne Sawyer CBE in the September edition of Homecarer.  Her longer companion article “The personalisation agenda: Threats and opportunities for domiciliary care providers” published by the Journal for Care Services Management discusses the issues in greater depth, and is available free for UKHCA members.  

The article is intended to be a discussion paper, and the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of UKHCA or the UKHCA Board. [ID 231]

Download The personalisation agenda: Threats and opportunities for domiciliary care providers

Human Resources Policy 10 - Electronic Communication

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 221]

Download Human Resources Policy 10 - Electronic Communication

Human Resources Policy 11 - Redundancy

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 222]

Download Human Resources Policy 11 - Redundancy

Human Resources Policy 12 - Managing Employee Ill Health

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 223]

Download Human Resources Policy 12 - Managing Employee Ill Health

Human Resources Policy 13 - Mobile Phones

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 224]

Download Human Resources Policy 13 - Mobile Phones

Human Resources Policy 14 - Adoption Leave

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 225]

Download Human Resources Policy 14 - Adoption Leave

Human Resources Policy 15 - Paternity Leave

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 226]

Download Human Resources Policy 15 - Paternity Leave

Human Resources Policy 16 - Maternity Leave

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 227]

Download Human Resources Policy 16 - Maternity Leave

Human Resources Policy 17 - Stress

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 228]

Download Human Resources Policy 17 - Stress

Human Resources Policy 18 - Health and Safety

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 229]

Download Human Resources Policy 18 - Health and Safety

Human Resources Policy 8 - Disciplinary

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 219]

Download Human Resources Policy 8 - Disciplinary

Human Resources Policy 9 - Staff Welfare

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 220]

Download Human Resources Policy 9 - Staff Welfare

UKHCA's Manifesto for Sustainable Homecare

UKHCA launches "From Rhetoric to Reality, A Manifesto for Sustainable Homecare" on Wednesday, 22nd October 2008. The manifesto sets out the key actions which local and central government and homecare providers need to take to ensure that high quality homecare continues to be delivered in the future. Included in the 18 recommendations is a call for councils to stop damaging the sector by inappropriate cost-savings and for central government to act on the Low Pay Commission's repeated request to scrutinise how councils' commissioning practice damages careworker pay. The launch of the manifesto coincides with the opening of the 2008 conference by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS). [ID 215]

Download UKHCA's Manifesto for Sustainable Homecare

Annual Report 2007-2008

UKHCA formally launches its annual report for April 2007- March 2008 at the AGM on 4^th November 2008 in Reading. This is the first time that the report has been designed to be coterminous with the financial year and reports on a period where the prime focus has been to continue to raise the Association’s profile and that of homecare services. The report documents the increasing level of media activity in which we have been involved and the increased involvement of policy staff and Board members in the consultations on policy developments in all four administrations.

In addition the report identifies the wide range of training materials and projects which have been undertaken for the benefit of members and our available publications and web based resources.

In commenting on the report UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham confirms that the environment remains a very challenging one for providers- with both a transformation agenda and tightening funding environment to reckon with but looks forward to the potential for change which the rise in social care up the political agenda offers. [ID 216]

Download Annual Report 2007-2008

Workforce Development Planning Kit

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

[ID 213]

Available downloadable versions:

• Guidance Notes for the Workforce Development Template
• Guidance Notes for the Workforce Development Training Matrix
• Introduction to the Workforce Deveopment Kit
• Workforce Development Template
• Workforce Development Training Matrix

Human Resources Policy 1 - Equal Opportunities and Diversity

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 206]

Download Human Resources Policy 1 - Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Human Resources Policy 2 - Staff Recruitment & Selection

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 207]

Download Human Resources Policy 2 - Staff Recruitment & Selection

Human Resources Policy 3 - Induction

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 208]

Download Human Resources Policy 3 - Induction

Human Resources Policy 4 - Appraisal

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 209]

Download Human Resources Policy 4 - Appraisal

Human Resources Policy 5 - Staff Learning & Development

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 210]

Download Human Resources Policy 5 - Staff Learning & Development

Human Resources Policy 6 - Annual Leave

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 211]

Download Human Resources Policy 6 - Annual Leave

Human Resources Policy 7 - Grievance

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

To help members develop their own policies and procedures UKHCA has created a selection of sample documents available to members for free.

This document is general in nature and will need to be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation, following proper advice where necessary. Accompanying forms are included where appropriate. [ID 212]

Download Human Resources Policy 7 - Grievance

Homecarer September 2008

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this edition: we keep up the pressure for recognition of fuel price increases; Geraldine Gawthorpe of EDGE Services advises on reducing risks for lone workers; we introduce Senior Policy Officer Francis McGlone, who will take a special interest in Scotland; UKHCA President Lucianne Sawyer previews her forthcoming paper on personalisation; HR specialist Wosiela Bobie answers tough questions on employment issues; UKHCA member Claudine Reid MBE reflects on the growth of social enterprise PJ’s Community Service and we launch our In-house Trainer’s Resource Guide and Customer Care Resource Guide. [ID 205]

Download Homecarer September 2008

Customer Care Resource Guide

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This resource guide gives information to managers and care workers on identifying who our customers are and what they want. It helps the organisation to think about the service they are providing and to consider what makes this service different from the others therefore ensuring customers purchase services from us rather than anyone else. [ID 204]

Download Customer Care Resource Guide

UKHCA Factsheet: HIV/AIDS

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA has updated its factsheet on HIV/AIDS, it contains an introduction to what HIV/AIDS is and how people become infected, as well as useful sources of information. [ID 259]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: HIV/AIDS

UKHCA Factsheet: Health and Safety

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This fact sheet contains details of the reference material available from the Health and Safety Executive and other sources on a variety of issues relevant to the homecare sector. [ID 260]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Health and Safety

Guidance on UK Competition law issues for homecare providers

Competition law prevents homecare providers from anti-competitive behaviour. UKHCA’s recommended solicitors Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP have produced essential guidance on the Competition Act 1998 and its implications for homecare providers planning to act collectively to lobby their local authorities.  The guidance is particularly relevant to providers who are campaigning for a fair price for care, as part of UKHCA’s initiative to ensure annual contract increases properly reflect inflation and other cost burdens. [ID 203]

Download Guidance on UK Competition law issues for homecare providers

UKHCA's Cost Pressure Campaign 2008

UKHCA has written to every local authority in England, Scotland and Wales and every health and social care trust in Northern Ireland to highlight the cost pressures affecting homecare providers, and requesting that they convene urgent meetings with providers to find a way forward.

Using the Freedom of Information Act, the Association has also asked for a comprehensive list of contract price increases awarded in the last 12 months. This is to examine the scale of below-inflation increases, and to build the case for a fair increase in 2008-9. The results will be published as soon as they are analysed. We will also be writing to providers before the end of August with additional materials to help gather momentum at a local level. [ID 202]

Available downloadable versions:

• Freedom of Information Request - England
• Freedom of Information Request - Northern Ireland
• Freedom of Information Request - Scotland
• Freedom of Information Request - Wales

Campaigning for homecare providers

Details of UKHCA's campaigning activities to help raise the profile of homecare and help providers make the most of our resources to obtain a fair price for care. [ID 201]

Download Campaigning for homecare providers

Homecarer July 2008

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Future of regulation is taking shape [ID 200]

Download Homecarer July 2008

Homecare regulation workshop for owners and managers in Northern Ireland

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

With homecare providers in Northern Ireland becoming regulated for the first time in 2008, the following presentation covers some of the key issues to consider in preparing for inspections by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority and an outline of how the Standards and Regulations for domiciliary care services interrelate. [ID 199]

Download Homecare regulation workshop for owners and managers in Northern Ireland

An Employer's Guide to the Prevention of Illegal Working

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

There are new penalties for the employers of illegal workers who are employed on or after 29 February 2008, along with new requirements for employers if they are to avoid these penalties. These penalties and requirements apply in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Douglas Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explained the changes in the March 2008 issue of Homecarer, and we are pleased to launch his revised Employer's Guide to the Prevention of Illegal Working, which explains the new rules in more detail and replaces the 2006 edition. [ID 59]

Download An Employer's Guide to the Prevention of Illegal Working

Homecarer May 2008

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In this edition, providers count the cost of proposed member schemes and we include a special feature from the General Social Care Council on how registration will raise standards. We also include a free pull-out "How does your local council measure up?" comparing in-house and external provider costs in England, advice for careworkers on using a hoist, Budget analysis and a legal update. Printed copies will be posted to members in mid-May. [ID 185]

Download Homecarer May 2008

A guide to safe recruitment

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Recruitment and retention of staff is a major problem for our industry. Homecare organisations have to seek employees in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

In response to these challenges, training consultant Jennifer Roberts and UKHCA have produced guidance documents, free to download for UKHCA members. [ID 184]

Available downloadable versions:

• A guide to safe recruitment
• Example Recruitment Forms
• Example Recruitment Policies
• Staff Recruitment and Retention: a toolbox of ideas

A brief commentary by Hazlewoods LLP on the March 2008 Budget

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Chancellor Alistair Darling's first Budget in March 2008 was keenly awaited by businesses and individuals alike.

In his article "No day at the races, but Darling falls at the first", prepared for UKHCA members, Nick Haines of Hazlewoods LLP gives his personal take on the Budget and its effect on businesses and individuals. [ID 183]

Download A brief commentary by Hazlewoods LLP on the March 2008 Budget

Homecarer March 2008

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Front page article "Stormont hears the case for a fair price for care". Also includes changes on the rules governing illegal working, improvements amongst providers identified by the CSCI and CSSIW and the new grading system to be introduced by the Care Commission in Scotland. [ID 181]

Download Homecarer March 2008

Homecare Update Issue 6

The sixth of our new periodical, Homecare Update, should arrive with providers from Thursday 28th February 2008. This issue shows how our extensive workshop programme has responded to the current issues in the homecare sector and gives details of our major publications, including our new array of "Train the Trainer" packs.

Homecare Update is sent to every domiciliary care provider and local authority in the UK. If you haven't received your copy by Wednesday 5th March 2008, please call on 020 8288 5291 during office hours. [ID 180]

Download Homecare Update Issue 6

UKHCA Medication Policy Guidance

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Medication is an increasing and significant aspect of care currently being requested and delivered by domiciliary care organisations. As such, there must be a clear policy outlining the level of administration the organisation can provide for the service user. The policy should then have accompanying procedures to give care workers clear instruction on all aspects of the medication assistance.

This Medication Policy Guidance document has been updated and is intended to give homecare providers guidance on formulating their own medication policy and procedures. It should not be considered a stand-alone policy and providers should make suitable adjustments to reflect their organisation’s circumstances, contractual obligations, indemnity insurance and any conditions placed on their registration by their statutory regulator. 

UKHCA expects all organisations with full UKHCA membership to operate within this Policy Guidance. Failure to do so may be considered to be a breach of The UKHCA Code of Practice and in serious cases may result in withdrawal of membership. Your insurance cover may also be prejudiced if you knowingly failed to comply with this Policy Guidance.

Further assistance in writing a medication policy and procedures can also be gained by using UKHCA’s Medication Policy Template which can be downloaded free of charge by members. [ID 60]

Download UKHCA Medication Policy Guidance

Membership Application Form

The membership application form. For new members only. [ID 34]

Available downloadable versions:

• Application for affiliate membership
• Application for associate membership
• Application for full membership

Publications Catalogue and Order Form

Our updated Publications Catalogue and Order Form include details of our main publications, including our "Train the Trainer" resources, adult protection toolkit and our Local Action Pack. UKHCA members receive substantial discounts on our publications. The products in this publication can also be purchased online. [ID 32]

Download Publications Catalogue and Order Form

TUPE or not TUPE – a case note from Keelys Solicitors

Further to our article in the January 2008 Homecarer about a UKHCA member who found that TUPE applied unexpectedly after they took on a direct payments arrangement, Keelys Solicitors, who defended the claim for our member, have kindly given us a note about the case.

We strongly advise members to take early advice on TUPE matters. Call our member helpline if you would like to be referred. Members are entitled to a limited amount of free telephone legal advice from either Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP or First Assist as part of their membership.

(Keelys are prepared to discuss the case but this would not be part of our free legal helpline service for members. UKHCA does not have a commercial relationship with them and any subsequent instruction would be under their standard terms and conditions.)

We are very grateful to Keelys and our member for information about the case. [ID 179]

Download TUPE or not TUPE – a case note from Keelys Solicitors

Changes to private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing in England and Wales

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

We wrote to the Department of Transport recently to clarify whether changes to minicab licensing would affect care workers who take service users out in their own cars. The removal of an exemption from the need for private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing in England and Wales, means that more vehicles have to be licensed in the same way as minicabs. Our letter querying the new rules, which are summarised in the Department for Transport Road Safety Act 2006: Private Hire Vehicles – Guidance Note, and the Department’s reply are below. Broadly the Department says the issue is one for local licensing authorities, but its view is that it is unlikely a court would consider Parliament intended childminders taking children to school would need PHV licences and the same issues apply to care workers taking service users out as part of a care package.

Department for Transport “Road Safety Act 2006: Private Hire Vehicles – Guidance Note. [ID 178]

Download Changes to private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing in England and Wales

Adult Protection Toolkit for Domiciliary Care Agencies

Comprehensive information on adult protection in the homecare sector, co-authored by UKHCA and national charity Action on Elder Abuse. The toolkit is primarily designed to give an understanding of the issues surrounding adult protection and signpost homecare providers across the UK to everything they need to know when writing or reviewing procedures and policies to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. [ID 177]

Download Adult Protection Toolkit for Domiciliary Care Agencies

UKHCA Membership Renewal Form

UKHCA members should use this form to renew their membership. If you applying to join for the first time see our How to Join page. For a list of fees see our types of membership page. [ID 175]

Available downloadable versions:

• Affiliate Membership Renewal Form
• Associate Membership Renewal Form
• Full Membership Renewal Form

New Rules on Illegal Working

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Important changes to the rules on the prevention of illegal working come in from 29 February 2008 and apply to England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland. Douglas Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP will be explaining the changes in the March edition of Homecarer. We are pleased to offer members the opportunity to preview the article. [ID 174]

Download New Rules on Illegal Working

All Change for the New Tax Year

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

It has been almost a year since Gordon Brown's last Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer. A number of his announcements will only come into effect for companies from 1 April, and for individuals, from 6 April this year.

In his article "All Change for the New Tax Year", prepared for UKHCA members, Nick Haines of Hazlewoods LLP provides a refresher and suggests UKHCA members should prepare for the new rules so they can take advantage of any tax savings that can be achieved by structuring in the most efficient way possible before April 2008. [ID 173]

Download All Change for the New Tax Year

Homecarer January 2008

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Migrant workers are essential to maintain sector's capacity [ID 172]

Download Homecarer January 2008

UKHCA Presentation: Some key issues in tendering for homecare services

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The following presentation covers some of the key issues in submitting a tender to a local authority and is intended to be a brief introduction for organisations submitting a tender for the first time. It can be downloaded as a PowerPoint Show, which provides an animated presentation on a pc running Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft PowerPoint 2003. [ID 171]

Available downloadable versions:

• Printable slides of Tendering Presentation
• Slide show of Tendering Presentation

Local Action Pack

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Our Local Action Pack will provide members with ideas on how to influence local councils and MPs to secure a better deal for the sector and raise the profile of homecare locally. The pack contains information on lobbying local politicians, facts and figures on homecare, and suggestions for targeting new customers. [ID 164]

Download Local Action Pack

Tender touch could be key to your business

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The following is the full article by Jane Orr-Campbell (née Scott), National Care Director of Home Choice Care Ltd, that appeared in the November 2007 edition of Homecarer magazine. For space reasons we were unable to include the full version in Homecarer. We are grateful to Jane for article and kind permission to include it on our website. [ID 170]

Download Tender touch could be key to your business

Quality Assurance Guide

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This document explains why a quality assurance system is important. It provides you with some ideas of how to develop a quality assurance system of your own, what documents to look at, how to set your own quality assurance standards and how to measure these in a non-threatening way. It also explains how to report the results of your audits to suit your audience and what to do when results need improvement. [ID 168]

Download Quality Assurance Guide

Northern Ireland Conference 2007 Presentations

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA held its Northern Ireland conference at the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, County Down on 20th November 2007. Delegates were delighted with the presentations given and the opportunity to discuss quality issues during the afternoon session.

The presentations are available to view: [ID 167]

Available downloadable versions:

• Andy Thomson - Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
• Christine Johnston - Introduction of the Induction Standards
• Seamus McErlean and Dermot Parsons - Registration and Regulation in Northern Ireland
• Siobhan McCann - Ensuring a Quality Workforce and Introduction to Workgroups
• Working Groups - Feedback

Homecarer November 2007

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

CSCI must halt star ratings [ID 165]

Download Homecarer November 2007

UKHCA Medication Policy Template

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA’s Medication Policy Template, has been developed to assist organisations to write their own, comprehensive medication policy. This Template is based on the UKHCA Medication Policy Guidance Document written with assistance from CSCI.

The UKHCA Medication Policy Template requires Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 to be installed on your machine before you intstall the UKHCA Medication Policy Template. It is available free from Microsoft.

Further information including terms and conditions of use. [ID 151]

You can also purchase UKHCA Medication Policy Template from our online store.

Download UKHCA Medication Policy Template

Homecare and the Mental Capacity Act 2005

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 comes into force fully on 1 October 2007 in England and Wales and introduces new rights for people who may have problems making decisions (“mental capacity”) as well as responsibilities for people who look after someone who may have mental capacity issues. This guidance, developed by UKHCA and our recommended solicitors Anthony Collins LLP, is designed to complement the government guidance and other official materials which have been issued on the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as well as providing an overview of the Act and the new systems and organisations that are being set up to support it. It makes some practical suggestions on how to adopt mental capacity assessments into homecare practice. [ID 155]

Download Homecare and the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Holiday Pay Action Pack

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

From 1st October 2007, employers will be expected to meet the increased costs of an increase in annual leave entitlement, which changes from 20 to 24 days for staff working a five-day week. UKHCA recently wrote to Directors of Social Services on our members’ behalf to highlight the increased costs for homecare agencies, which is in addition to the inflationary costs occurring this year. Our Holiday Pay Action Pack provides UKHCA members with resources to use with their commissioners, including guidance from our recommended legal advisors, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. We expect the pack to be essential reading. [ID 154]

Download Holiday Pay Action Pack

UKHCA Position Statement: A Fair Price for Care

UKHCA sets-out the vital importance of homecare organisations receiving a fair price for the services they provide. In the first of our UKHCA Position Statements, we examine the background to the current state of the market and provide recommendations to local authority commissioners on adequate payment for the care they purchase. [ID 114]

Download UKHCA Position Statement: A Fair Price for Care

Homecarer September 2007

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

• We consider planning for contingencies and see how our members fared in the floods this summer – some have dramatic stories to tell
• UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham calls for local authorities to recognise the extra cost of increased holiday entitlement
• Independent consultant and former SPRU researcher Charles Patmore describes a way of easing depression in older people
• Rob Pickford, Chief Inspector and Director of CSSIW answers our questions on care regulation in Wales
• The Scottish Executive tells us about its ‘Changing Lives’ programme for social care, and the Care Commission heralds its new inspection procedure

[ID 152]

Download Homecarer September 2007

Why Homecare Businesses must be prepared for a crisis (Article from September Homecarer 2007)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Planning ahead for possible disruptions and emergencies might seem to be the pastime of pessimists but for homecare providers it is essential, since disruption to the business could mean serious consequences for people relying on the delivery of care. [ID 157]

Download Why Homecare Businesses must be prepared for a crisis (Article from September Homecarer 2007)

Homecare Update - August 2007

Homecare Update is our publication that showcases UKHCA’s work to non-member organisations and informs members about our new services and events.

The August issue contains news of:

• The increased cost of holiday pay and our letter to local authorities;
• A free-post survey asking providers about the annual price increases awarded by their local authorities;
• Launch of UKHCA’s new medication policy template – an innovative, interactive software application, written specifically for homecare providers; and
• Details of train-the-trainer and conference events.

We’ve also included a two-page membership application form. If you would like additional printed copies of Homecare Update to help us tell non-members about the benefits of Association membership, do call 020 8288 5291. [ID 150]

Download Homecare Update - August 2007

Who will pay for increased holiday entitlement?

Homecare providers will face increased wage costs when the statutory holiday entitlement for Great Britain's workforce increases from 4 to 4.8 weeks (pro-rated for part-time workers) on 1st October 2007. Recognising the local authorities buy the bulk of the independent sector's output, UKHCA has written to the Director of Adult Social Services in every local authority in England, Scotland and Wales and the appropriate Directors of each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland asking whether they will be increasing their contract rates with homecare providers. [ID 148]

Available downloadable versions:

• Letter to health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland
• Letter to local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales

Open Letters to Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Following the appointment of new ministers for health and social care in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, UKHCA chair Mike Padgham has written to Edwina Hart AM, the new Minister for Health and Social Services in Wales, Michael McGimpsey MLA, the new Minister for Health in Northern Ireland, and Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in Scotland.

UKHCA has welcomed each of the ministers to their new roles, and has underlined the importance of homecare in each country. Each letter highlights the impact of resource constraints on the services that people receive at home and the capacity of the independent and voluntary homecare sector to deliver. UKHCA has called on the ministers to make social care, and in particular homecare, a priority for funding.

UKHCA also wrote to the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown upon his appointment. [ID 146]

Available downloadable versions:

• Letter to Edwina Hart AM, Wales, Minister for Health and Social Services
• MLA Health Minister">Letter to Michael McGimpsey MLA, Northern Ireland, Health Minister
• Letter to Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing

Homecarer July 2007

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Registering in Northern Ireland? Feel free! [ID 145]

Download Homecarer July 2007

Supervision leads the way to quality care (Article from July Homecarer 2007)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Good staff supervision is directly linked to the provision of quality care says Workforce Development Consultant Fran McDonnell, who here describes a new Skills for Care training unit developed to help managers. [ID 158]

Download Supervision leads the way to quality care (Article from July Homecarer 2007)

UKHCA Position Statement: Managing working time in live-in care

UKHCA believes that homecare workers providing "live-in" care services undertake their role on an "unmeasured work" basis for the purposes of the Working Time Regulations 1998 and the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999. [ID 144]

Download UKHCA Position Statement: Managing working time in live-in care

Elder abuse survey sends vital message to homecare sector

With the increasing social isolation of older people, homecare workers and their managers have a vital role in identifying and responding to abuse of the people they care for. [ID 141]

Download Elder abuse survey sends vital message to homecare sector

Employment of domiciliary careworkers aged 16 and 17 years

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This guidance is designed to summarise the regulators' positions on the employment of careworkers aged 16 and 17, following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (hereafter referred to as 'the Regulations') 2006. [ID 140]

Download Employment of domiciliary careworkers aged 16 and 17 years

Caring for people who are affected by stroke (Article from May Homecarer 2007)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Caring for people who have had a stroke requires special expertise and training. Here Angela Rowlands of The Stroke Association gived advice on caring for stroke survivors and tell of a training scheme developed for care workers. [ID 159]

Download Caring for people who are affected by stroke (Article from May Homecarer 2007)

Facing the Challenge in Northern Ireland

The following are the full answers of UKHCA Member Wil Coyle of Trust Caring & Nursing Agency (NI) Ltd to the edited question and answer session featured in the May 2007 edition of Homecarer. For space reasons we were unable to include the full version in Homecarer. We are grateful to Wil for his help in supplying answers to our questions and kind permission to include his views on our website. [ID 132]

Download Facing the Challenge in Northern Ireland

Homecarer May 2007

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Into the era of self-assessment [ID 137]

Download Homecarer May 2007

New Code of Practice for UK's Homecare Providers

Regulation has been a fundamental part of improving home-based care for some of the most vulnerable people in society. However, UKHCA's Code of Practice enables our member organisations to operate above the minimum requirements enforceable by regulators. [ID 131]

Download New Code of Practice for UK's Homecare Providers

The UKHCA Code of Practice (Coming into effect 1st May 2007)

The updated Code of Practice comes into effect on 1st May 2007. All social care providers joining UKHCA agree to comply with the Code as part of their conditions of membership. The Code is used when considering any complaint about a UKHCA brought to our attention by a member of the public. [ID 128]

You can also purchase The UKHCA Code of Practice (Coming into effect 1st May 2007) from our online store.

Available downloadable versions:

• English clearprint version
• English large print version
• English standard version
• Welsh clearprint version

HR Update – Structures, scales and satisfied staff (Article from March Homecarer 2007)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA HR Manager Wosiela Bobie highlights some of the legal considerations employers need to take into account when designing and implementing pay and reward systems and gives some suggestions on the type of systems that may suit domiciliary care employers. [ID 162]

Download HR Update – Structures, scales and satisfied staff (Article from March Homecarer 2007)

Adult protection – the best policy (Article from March Homecarer 2007)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Adult protection has risen over recent years and is now a major issue for social care providers and local authorities. This article looks to answer the question “how can I ensure that our adult protection policy and procedures accord with best practice and regulation?” [ID 161]

Download Adult protection – the best policy (Article from March Homecarer 2007)

Homecarer March 2007

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Care workers to register in 2008 [ID 127]

Download Homecarer March 2007

Key hazards for domiciliary care staff (Article from March Homecarer 2007)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Domiciliary care providers are required by law, and their statutory regulators, to pay attention to Health and Safety. This article, by Kate Lovett, Senior Trainer at Edge Services, looks at some fo the hazards that may affect homecare workers. [ID 160]

Download Key hazards for domiciliary care staff (Article from March Homecarer 2007)

UKHCA's Response to Draft Minimum Standards for England

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Following the restricted circulation of the first draft of England’s National Minimum Standards in February 2007, UKHCA sent a detailed response to the Department of Health expressing our concern over the way that the draft standards have been written and the potential problems they might create for service users and providers. [ID 126]

Download UKHCA's Response to Draft Minimum Standards for England

Improving the Status of Services and the Workforce in Social Care

A paper for the Commission for Social Care Inspection by Lesley Rimmer, Chief Executive [ID 122]

Download Improving the Status of Services and the Workforce in Social Care

Get the most from your UKHCA Membership

A list of membership services and contact details. [ID 125]

Download Get the most from your UKHCA Membership

Press Release - Registration of Domiciliary Careworkers with The General Social Care Council

The United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), the professional representative association for the UK’s domiciliary care providers welcomed the Government’s instruction to the General Social Care Council (GSCC) to begin the phased registration of domiciliary care workers. The announcement was made by Ivan Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services, at yesterday’s GSCC Conference in London. [ID 121]

Download Press Release - Registration of Domiciliary Careworkers with The General Social Care Council

UKHCA Position Statement: Short Care Episodes

In our second UKHCA Position Statement, we highlight the dangers of using 15-minute visits to provide personal care to increasingly dependent service users. In recommendations to local authority commissioners we state that short visits should only be used for monitoring and prompting activities and highlight the demotivating nature of these visits on service users and their careworkers. [ID 115]

Download UKHCA Position Statement: Short Care Episodes

Homecare Update - January 2007

Homecare providers face a number of challenges in 2007: The need to receive a fair price for their services; the need to train staff to administer medication safely and the possibility of Pandemic Influenza in the next 12 months.

In the second update on our activities, some of our Board Members highlight three new services, as well as explaining our work to raise the profile of homecare with government and our work on star-ratings for homecare agencies. [ID 113]

Download Homecare Update - January 2007

Concern over registration fee for care workers - Article Taken from Homecarer January 2007

England's workforce regulator, the General Social Care Council (GSCC), has recommended to Government that social care workers and managers should pay £15 per year to register with the Social Care Register as a pre-requisite of continuing to work in social care. [ID 120]

Download Concern over registration fee for care workers - Article Taken from Homecarer January 2007

Homecarer January 2007

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Wales prepares to keep its New Year regulations [ID 116]

Download Homecarer January 2007

Choosing Care In Your Home

Choosing Care In Your Home is UKHCA’s leaflet for service users considering purchasing homecare services.  We send a copy of this to everyone who calls UKHCA looking for a suitable care provider and UKHCA members can also send this leaflet to prospective service users.  The leaflet has been completely rewritten for December 2006 and is presented in an accessible format to help people who may have some degree of visual impairment.  The leaflet can be downloaded without charge and is also available professionally printed in three colours using a UKHCA order form. [ID 108]

You can also purchase Choosing Care In Your Home from our online store.

Available downloadable versions:

• Large print english version
• Standard english version

Pressure sores - prevention better than cure

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Dr Michael Clark explains the hazards of pressure sores and looks at the ways that injury to service users can be avoided. [ID 107]

Download Pressure sores - prevention better than cure

Consultants and Suppliers Supplement

The current printed edition of UKHCA's Consultants and Suppliers Supplement listing organisations providing services to members. [ID 106]

Download Consultants and Suppliers Supplement

Homecarer November 2006

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Commissioning 'inflexible' says regulator [ID 105]

Download Homecarer November 2006

Homecarer September 2006

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

New star ratings are unveiled by regulator [ID 103]

Download Homecarer September 2006

Who Cares Now? (Scotland)

"Who Cares Now?" a wide-reaching profile of Scotland's Homecare providers and their workforce. [ID 101]

Download Who Cares Now? (Scotland)

Calculating the Real Costs of Home Care: A Costing Model Version 7.04

The costing model is designed to assist in the calculation of a fair price for the provision of Homecare services. It takes a broad range of operating costs, salaries and other expenses and uses them to calculate a cost per hour of service provision. (You will need Microsoft Excel to use the model.)
You may need to right click on the link and select "Save Target As..." to properly save the file. [ID 98]

Download Calculating the Real Costs of Home Care: A Costing Model Version 7.04

Calculating the Real Costs of Home Care: A Costing Model (2003) Report and FAQ

The United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) has received financial support from the Department of Health through Section 64 funding to undertake a thorough analysis of the costs of providing Homecare services.
This is a report of the findings. [ID 6]

Download Calculating the Real Costs of Home Care: A Costing Model (2003) Report and FAQ

Homecarer July 2006

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A profile of Scotland's workforce - Report reveals changing trends in recruitment and funding [ID 97]

Download Homecarer July 2006

Castlebank Insurance Brokers' Brochure

The latest version of Castlebank's brochure with catering your organisations insurance needs [ID 96]

Download Castlebank Insurance Brokers' Brochure

UKHCA Conferences and Event Calendar

A table of upcoming conferences and events in your area - subject to amendment [ID 66]

Download UKHCA Conferences and Event Calendar

UKHCA Written Evidence for the All Party Parliamentary Groups (Prime Care and Public Health and Social Care)

Colin Angel, Head of Policy and Communication, UKHCA, provided written evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Groups for Primary Care & Public Health and Social Care on the financial implications in the domiciliary care sector of the Government’s White Paper “Our health, our care, our say”.

The main themes of the White Paper are greater service user choice, care delivered at a local level and the development of preventative services. The evidence includes concerns regarding workforce retention, tendering exercises used to manipulate the local market and the commissioning of very short units of care. [ID 91]

Download UKHCA Written Evidence for the All Party Parliamentary Groups (Prime Care and Public Health and Social Care)

Homecarer May 2006

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Wanless endorses homecare's key role and predicts its growth to meet society's future needs. [ID 68]

Download Homecarer May 2006

Wanless endorses homecare's key role (Homecarer May 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The recent publication of Sir Derek Wanless's yearlong enquiry into the future of social care provision clearly endorses the vital role of the homecare sector in meeting the needs and choices of older people who use social care services. [ID 70]

Download Wanless endorses homecare's key role (Homecarer May 2006)

Workforce development - the key to recruitment and retention (Homecarer May 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Workforce Development is a key element of a quality domiciliary care business. Where an informal discussion among care managers over the daily requirements of their service users would once suffice, now increasingly homecare providers are developing formal workforce strategies for their businesses. [ID 71]

Download Workforce development - the key to recruitment and retention (Homecarer May 2006)

UKHCA responds to Northern Ireland Regulations

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA sent a full response to the Department of Health, Social Security and Personal Safety’s (DHSSPS) draft version of the Domiciliary Care Agency Regulations, which will come into force sometime in 2006-7.  In responding to the consultation, UKHCA’s Head of Policy, Colin Angel, said: “The importance of ensuring that the draft Regulations accurately reflect the requirements of social care providers cannot be emphasised strongly enough.” [ID 90]

Download UKHCA responds to Northern Ireland Regulations

A blueprint for increased homecare (Homecarer March 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A Government commitment to increase the number of people supported to live at home to 34% of those receiving care was promised in the long-awaited White Paper for adult care services in England, "Our health, our care, our say". [ID 72]

Download A blueprint for increased homecare (Homecarer March 2006)

Homecare in practice - Thinking about what we do (Homecarer March 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

We've devoted this feature in our "Homecare In Practice" series to providing scenarios that will help careworkers and their managers consider some of the practical and ethical considerations that influence how we deliver our service. There are six scenarios designed to encourage people to think about the wider implications of some of their actions. They could be used in a group discussion, for example during a supervisory session or training event. You don't need to do them all in one session, so hopefully there's enough material for more than one meeting. [ID 74]

Download Homecare in practice - Thinking about what we do (Homecarer March 2006)

Homecarer March 2006

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A blueprint for increased homecare - White paper emphasises Government commitment to the sector. [ID 67]

Download Homecarer March 2006

Human resources update - Disciplinary, dismissal and grievance procedures (Homecarer March 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Minimum legal requirements for employers to follow in disciplinary, dismissal and grievance procedures are set out in The Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004. In this article UKHCA Human Resources Manager Wosiela Bobie looks at how these can be fulfilled in certain circumstances and how to incorporate 'best practice' into your organisation's disciplinary and grievance procedures. [ID 75]

Download Human resources update - Disciplinary, dismissal and grievance procedures (Homecarer March 2006)

The real buzz is in getting it right (Homecarer March 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

We increasingly hear buzz phrases such as 'person-centred', 'wellbeing and choice', and 'customer-led'. The March 2005 Green Paper on social care gave them pride of place and now the January 2006 White Paper appears to endorse this. But what might such phrases actually mean for Homecare? [ID 73]

Download The real buzz is in getting it right (Homecarer March 2006)

Registration of Social Care Workforce Press Release

Liam Byrne MP, Minister for Care Services, announced on Tuesday 7^th February that the General Social Care Council (GSCC) would begin consultation on the registration on domiciliary care workers and care home staff. UKHCA issued a statement to the media welcoming the proposals and applauding the recognition of the skills and significance of the domiciliary care workforce. The Association will be responding to the consultation exercise once it is published in February. [ID 64]

Download Registration of Social Care Workforce Press Release

The Options for Excellence workforce review

The Options for Excellence review was convened in 2005, and involved key stakeholders within the sector, including UKHCA and many others. The review team were tasked with identifying creative but practical actions to improve recruitment and retention in the social care workforce. Issues such as leadership, commissioning, information technology and training were analysed and the final report takes these issues and suggests how improvements can be made both in the short term and long term. [ID 104]

Download The Options for Excellence workforce review

White Paper: Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services Media Response

This press release was sent to the media in response to the White Paper on adult health and social care in England when it was published 30 January 2006. [ID 62]

Download White Paper: Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services Media Response

Do budgets offer a fresh opportunity? (Homecarer January 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

From next year, some vulnerable and disabled people in thirteen local authority areas in England will be able to choose how to spend their own Individual Budget on care. [ID 77]

Download Do budgets offer a fresh opportunity? (Homecarer January 2006)

Homecarer January 2006

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The state of social care. [ID 61]

Download Homecarer January 2006

Human resources update - Sources of advice for employers (Homecarer January 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In a new series of articles, UKHCA's Human Resource Manager, Wosiela Bobie, offers help and advice on key issues of employment law and employee relations. In this edition, Wosiela looks at some of the information resources available to employers. [ID 78]

Download Human resources update - Sources of advice for employers (Homecarer January 2006)

The state of social care (Homecarer January 2006)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

The State of Social Care in England 2004-5 takes the first comprehensive overview of both local authority commissioning and the services provided by regulated providers in the independent, voluntary and statutory sectors, including homecare agencies. [ID 76]

Download The state of social care (Homecarer January 2006)

Homecare in practice - Be ready for the winter (Homecarer November 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Our series of articles to help domiciliary providers raise good practice issues with their workforce continues with a look at the critical impact that winter has on homecare services. [ID 79]

Download Homecare in practice - Be ready for the winter (Homecarer November 2005)

Homecarer November 2005

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Fewer inspections, more self-regulation - CSCI to target those who fail to meet the standards. [ID 54]

Download Homecarer November 2005

Homecare in practice - Taking control is crucial to dealing with emergencies (Homecarer September 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

In the fourth of our series of articles aimed at providing Homecare managers with resources to use in conjunction with their workforce, Jane Scott looks at how care workers can control emergency situations, maintain their safety by summoning help and manage emotions after the event. [ID 81]

Download Homecare in practice - Taking control is crucial to dealing with emergencies (Homecarer September 2005)

Homecarer September 2005

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

CRB proposals are unveiled - Plan to cut number of registered bodies. [ID 52]

Download Homecarer September 2005

It's not for the faint hearted... (Homecarer September 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

He has an MBA and years of experience in business. But Steve Mills found setting up his own care business a tough challenge. [ID 80]

Download It's not for the faint hearted... (Homecarer September 2005)

Spotlight on care workforce (Homecarer September 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A joint White Paper on Public Health and Social Care, following on from the Government's Green Paper on adult social care, will seek to deliver integrated health and social care systems in England. [ID 82]

Download Spotlight on care workforce (Homecarer September 2005)

Use of UKHCA Logotype (Logo) on Printed and Electronic Media

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A document detail how to use and how to obtain UKHCA logos for use in either electronic or printed media. [ID 47]

Download Use of UKHCA Logotype (Logo) on Printed and Electronic Media

Response to the Green Paper Entitled Independence, Well-Being and Choice

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A document detailing UKHCA's views on the Green Paper as it currently stands. [ID 48]

Download Response to the Green Paper Entitled Independence, Well-Being and Choice

Homecare in practice - Why reporting and recording are vital facets of quality care (Homecarer July 2005)

In the third instalment of our "Homecare in Practice" series, Jane Scott provides an awareness-raising article aimed at staff who organise care and who are responsible for supervising Homecare workers. Using a realistic example, the article examines the importance of reporting information and shows how the staff of a Homecare agency were able to use information to prevent a service user's condition deteriorating. [ID 85]

Download Homecare in practice - Why reporting and recording are vital facets of quality care (Homecarer July 2005)

Homecarer July 2005

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Mapping out care's changing landscape - Survey shows shift towards public funding. [ID 44]

Download Homecarer July 2005

Mapping out care's changing landscape (Homecarer July 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

New research published by UKHCA suggests that 72% of publicly funded domiciliary care is now purchased from the independent sector and that Homecare providers are becoming increasingly dependent on local authorities as their sole or primary customers. The independent domiciliary care sector is therefore a significant factor in the country's ability to meet total demand for social care provision. [ID 83]

Download Mapping out care's changing landscape (Homecarer July 2005)

Sharing our thoughts on 'Sharing the Vision' (Homecarer July 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Since the Green Paper was published in March, we have had the opportunity to consider the Government's vision for adult social care and decide whether it describes what we want for the 21st century. As we go to press, our response on behalf of members is taking shape and we expect to send it to the Department of Health shortly before the 28 July deadline. [ID 86]

Download Sharing our thoughts on 'Sharing the Vision' (Homecarer July 2005)

Telecare - is it to be feared or embraced? (Homecarer July 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Telecare - the delivery of health and social care using information and communications technology - is a term we are hearing more and more often, including in the recent Green Paper on Adult Social Care for England, Independence, Well-being and Choice. [ID 84]

Download Telecare - is it to be feared or embraced? (Homecarer July 2005)

European Social Fund England Project - 6 Month Project Report June 2005

A summary of the project for external use and a set of aims and targets for the project were produced. The details focus on how the project targets are being met and follows the format of the Target document. [ID 43]

Download European Social Fund England Project - 6 Month Project Report June 2005

Who Cares Now? (England)

"Who Cares Now?" a wide-reaching profile of England's Homecare providers and their workforce was published by UKHCA in June 2005. Among the findings of the research are that 72% of publicly funded Homecare comes from the independent sector, while there has been a considerable reduction in privately purchased care. "Who Cares Now?" builds on the first and only previous survey of the Homecare sector, undertaken in 2000. The report is available free from UKHCA thanks to funding from Skills for Care and the Department of Health. [ID 36]

Download Who Cares Now? (England)

Response to Making Safeguarding Everybody's Business: A Post-Bichard Vetting Scheme

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

A document detailing UKHCA's views on the Making Safeguarding Everybody's Business: A Post-Bichard Vetting Scheme Consultation. . [ID 49]

Download Response to Making Safeguarding Everybody's Business: A Post-Bichard Vetting Scheme

homecare in practice - Tackling elder abuse issues (Homecarer May 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Many organisations have discovered that sourcing elder abuse training can be problematic. This issue's Homecare in Practice explains how your organisation can develop the expertise to run this in-house. [ID 87]

Download homecare in practice - Tackling elder abuse issues (Homecarer May 2005)

Homecarer May 2005

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

Vision offers a right to choose - Green paper gives people more say over their care. [ID 10]

Download Homecarer May 2005

Social care - the e-agenda (Homecarer May 2005)

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

You may have read about the national plan for electronic health records (NPfIT), largely because the media have picked up criticisms of predicted costs, and some medics' views that the system won't work because they have not been properly involved in consultations. You may also have heard about the Single Assessment Process - or SAP as it is more conventionally known. [ID 88]

Download Social care - the e-agenda (Homecarer May 2005)

Commissioning Home Care: Changing Practice: Delivering Quality? (2004) Report

In 2003, the Change Agent Team commissioned this research in order to gain a national picture of the Homecare market and of the methods used by social services in England to address the needs of people requiring care or support at home.
This the report of the findings. [ID 5]

Download Commissioning Home Care: Changing Practice: Delivering Quality? (2004) Report

Home Care Workers' Hand Book Order Form

The form required for ordering The Homecarer's Hand Book [ID 31]

Download Home Care Workers' Hand Book Order Form

European Social Fund England Project - Engaging Employers in Homecare

A copy of the press release that went out to all publications in Objective 3 areas of England, to announce that the UKHCA had received some funding to help towards training of staff, and to explain that the project will address the need to update and up-skill Homecare workers, with a special focus on isolated, small and medium sized organisations within the independent sector in England currently not engaged in training. [ID 9]

Download European Social Fund England Project - Engaging Employers in Homecare

Religion Or Belief Check List

A document produced by UKHCA and SCA to offer guidance in relation to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 for the Social [ID 21]

Download Religion Or Belief Check List

Sexual Orientation and Religious Belief Guidance for the Social Care Workforce

A document produced by UKHCA and SCA to offer guidance in relation to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 for the Social Care Sector. [ID 18]

Download Sexual Orientation and Religious Belief Guidance for the Social Care Workforce

Sexual Orientation and Religious Belief Guidance for the Social Care Workforce - Summary

A document produced by UKHCA and SCA to offer guidance in relation to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 for the Social [ID 19]

Download Sexual Orientation and Religious Belief Guidance for the Social Care Workforce - Summary

Sexual Orientation Check List

A document produced by UKHCA and SCA to offer guidance in relation to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 for the Social [ID 20]

Download Sexual Orientation Check List

Special Issues and Considerations for Home Care

A document produced by UKHCA and SCA to offer guidance in relation to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 for the Social [ID 22]

Download Special Issues and Considerations for Home Care

UKHCA Factsheet: Food Hygiene

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This fact sheet sets out useful source material on food hygiene. As care workers are working in home environments and where clients may not have the necessary awareness of food handling practises, it is the care workers responsibility to promote high standards of food safety and hygiene. [ID 261]

Download UKHCA Factsheet: Food Hygiene

UKHCA Factsheet: Managing Finance

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

UKHCA has produced these guidelines for our members. The main aim of the guidelines is to promote best practice and reduce the risks involved when domiciliary services are provided which assist service users to manage their finances and other valuable assets. [ID 258]

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UKHCA Factsheet: Moving and Handling

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This factsheet describes the legislation relating to moving and handling and shows responsibilities at organisational, managerial and individual level. Further sources of information are listed for moving and handling and specifically for moving and handling training. [ID 257]

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UKHCA Factsheet: Risk Assessment

This document is available to UKHCA members only. Information on how to join UKHCA.

This factsheet details advice and assistance on risk assessment and should be used in conjunction with the UKHCA Factsheet on Manual Handling. It contains an overview of the subject and useful sources of further information. [ID 256]

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